Dandelion Root Coffee Recipe: Herbal Coffee Replacer

All parts of the dandelion plant are edible. The leaves are packed with vitamins A and C, phosphorus, potassium, folate, calcium and B vitamins. The flowers have a light sweetness, are a delicious addition to salads, and can be used to make jams, jellies, infused in honeys and vinegars…your imagine really is your limit here.

The roots are my personal favorite part of this amazing little plant. Dandelion roots are filled with vitamin A, phosphorus, iron, protein, and manganese, and used to make a delicious coffee or infusion. As a coffee it can be pulverized and mixed with coffee grounds, or brewed on its own. It’s a great alternative for someone trying to kick the coffee habit.

Dandelion root coffee instructions

You can go about this in a number of ways. Infuse your dried root, create a decoction, or make it just like coffee. Pulverize a few tablespoons of dried root with a grinder, and brew in a coffee pot. My personal favorite way to fix it is in the coffee pot because straining takes care of itself.

Add your favorite coffee fixings to it and you have a delicious coffee substitute. It really is that simple. The benefits of this “coffee” go far beyond kicking the caffeine habit. As I mentioned, the scientific community is starting to give credit to dandelion for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. It’s not surprising with this impressive list:

Digestive benefits

Dandelion has been used for centuries to improve digestion. Its potassium content makes it a natural diuretic and can help flush toxins from the body. It has also been used to stimulate appetite, promote the release of digestive juices, and improve liver function. Its also especially rich in fiber and prebiotic compounds, making it particularly effective for easing constipation and digestive ailments.

Anti-inflammatory benefits

Dandelion contains a compound called taraxasterol that significantly fights off inflammation. This compound has shown a strong reduction of inflammation in autoimmune disease and inflammatory conditions.

Detox benefits

It’s a natural detoxifier and can help cleanse the liver and kidneys. It is particularly helpful for people who have been exposed to toxins like heavy metals and pesticides. Consuming dandelion roots in early spring can assist the liver and kidneys with purging toxins that have built up in the system over winter.

Blood sugar support

Dandelion has been a natural way to control type 2 diabetes around the world. Studies have shown it has the ability to improve inulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar levels.